Most states penalize drivers who violate traffic and criminal laws while operating a motor vehicle by restricting, suspending, or revoking the driver’s license. For example, a state may suspend a driver’s license upon refusal to submit to a blood or breath test when suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or when a driver is convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

And most states have a traffic ticket points system that assigns points to traffic offenses—with more serious offenses receiving more points. The points a driver accumulates become a part of the driver’s record with the state and a specified number of points will lead to greater driver’s license penalties—including suspension of the driver’s license—as well as higher insurance premiums charged by insurance companies.

The use and structure of traffic ticket point systems vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In Maine, drivers who commit traffic violations or criminal offenses while operating a motor vehicle can face license restrictions, suspensions, or revocations. For instance, Maine law mandates the suspension of a driver's license if the driver refuses to submit to a chemical test (blood, breath, or urine) under the state's implied consent law when suspected of operating under the influence (OUI) of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, a driver's license can be suspended or revoked following a conviction for OUI. Maine does not use a point system for traffic violations like some other states. Instead, the state monitors and penalizes traffic offenses based on the severity and frequency of the violations. Accumulating multiple violations can lead to increased penalties, including license suspension. Insurance premiums may also rise as a result of traffic violations or criminal driving offenses.